The Badlands South Dakota

Badlands National Park

www.nps.gov
5/5
(1.1K) · National park in Interior, United States
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Located in South Dakota, Badlands National Park protects spectacular scenery & world-renowned fossils

Reviews

Tripadvisor
5.0/5 · 1,086 reviews
5-star
89%
4-star
9%
3-star
2%
2-star
0%
1-star
<1%
Recent reviews
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Dec 27, 2024
What a beautiful place! We visited in winter. The weather was cool, but we didn't have any snow. This park is all access! Guests are welcome and even invited to climb around on the buttes. The park i… Full review by drwatson32
Sep 20, 2024
One of the highlights of our Real America road trip. We left Custer after breakfast and drove to Interior. After a quick stop at Ben Reifel Visitor Center we took some interesting hike (Notch trail,… Full review by pizote67
Sep 16, 2024
Definitely devote some time to really enjoy this incredible national park. So many people just jet off from the interstate and spend two hours only doing overlook. If that is all you have, just too… Full review by Brown_Samantha
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Articles

Badlands National Park is located in southwestern South Dakota and features one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Inhabited for 1…
cityseeker.com
Badlands National Park is an American national park located in southwestern South Dakota. The park protects 242,756 acres of sharply erode…
sygic.com

Questions & answers

Q:
We will be coming from Valentine, NE with our Airbnb in keystone, sd. We are deciding whether or not to go …
Q:
We will be coming from Valentine, NE with our Airbnb in keystone, sd. We are deciding whether or not to go straight north to hit the interstate, go north for a bit and take hwy 44, or going west to Chadron then up north. Google maps says going through Pine Ridge is the fastest but I do t want to do that and I heard that the road might even be closed because they are trying to keep COVID out. Is going north through Rosebud an option. Roads are open? I’m assuming it will not be nearly as depressing as traveling through Pine Ridge, is that correct? Chadron is the longest way and since we will be canoeing in the morning, my kids will be really cranky if we take any longer than necessary. Thanks.
A:
I am not familiar with one of the routes you mention, my wife and I drove across the interstate to Keystone with a short stay in Wall to visit the Badlands from there. The Badlands are a …
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I am not familiar with one of the routes you mention, my wife and I drove across the interstate to Keystone with a short stay in Wall to visit the Badlands from there. The Badlands are a little farther from Keystone than from Wall, but food choices and accomodations are much better in Keystone. Also, there are many attractions close to and in Keystone that may be of interest to you and your children, depending on their ages. I hope this helps you and I wish you a very pleasant and enjoyable vacation.
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Answer by Charles C · May 25, 2020
Q:
I’m fearful of steep / scary drives within the mountain ranges. How is the drive through the Badlands?
A:
Although mountainous the roads are at a gentle slope (no hairpin turns) and well maintained. The surrounding areas are somewhat desolate so we would recommend a full tank of …
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Although mountainous the roads are at a gentle slope (no hairpin turns) and well maintained. The surrounding areas are somewhat desolate so we would recommend a full tank of gas as well as water and some snacks. A beautiful experience.
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Q:
Is it ok to drive a travel trailer camper (med-sized) on The Loop road? I read it's a 2 lane paved road, so I'm thinking that it …
Q:
Is it ok to drive a travel trailer camper (med-sized) on The Loop road? I read it's a 2 lane paved road, so I'm thinking that it should be ok. Can anyone confirm?
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Yes, it is a paved, good road. Many people have trailers. Enjoy!
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Q:
How do I go about the night sky viewings at the park?
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If you google Night Sky Program Badlands National Park you will find the website. I am not allowed to post a web address here. This is a copy of the page Night Sky Program …
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If you google Night Sky Program Badlands National Park you will find the website. I am not allowed to post a web address here. This is a copy of the page Night Sky Program Brilliant Jupiter and Milk Way rise above the Moonlit Castle Trail. Photo by Wally Pacholka / AstroPics. Brilliant Jupiter and Milk Way rise above the moonlit Castle Trail. Photo by Wally Pacholka / AstroPics Night Sky Observing Summer night sky viewing is offered at the Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater each evening from Memorial Day through Labor Day. After the evening ranger program, stay to enjoy the spectacular night sky. Telescopes are provided thanks to funding from our partners - Celestron and Badlands Natural History Association. The ranger will point out constellations, stars, and planets. Everyone is given an opportunity to see impressive objects of the night sky. 2019 Badlands Astronomy Festival July 5-7 The Annual Badlands Astronomy Festival brings together space science professionals, amateur astronomers, educators, youth groups, South Dakota residents and visitors for a "stellar experience". Celebrate the beauty of a dark night sky and the wonder of space exploration. Novices and experts alike will enjoy daily family-friendly activities and evening presentations with special guest speakers. Nightly telescope viewing will be sponsored by the NPS Night Sky Program and Celestron. This three-day celebration at Badlands National Park will support the continued protection and enjoyment of our incredible night skies as a precious natural resource. The festival will focus on active engagement in resource education programs and hands-on experiences. Astronomy Festival events do not require advance registration or tickets. Please just drop by. VIP Night Sky Assistant, Chuck Schroll VIP Night Sky Assistant, Chuck Schroll NPS Photo Rarely do most people have the opportunity to experience the awesome dark skies and the spectacular sights found here. Badlands National Park offers such wondrous sights for those who visit the park. On any given night, visitors will be exposed to more than 7,500 stars. Especially phenomenal is the clarity of our own Milky Way Galaxy. Night sky views include not only galaxies but also star clusters, nebulae, planets and moons. Visitors are also treated to fly-overs by numerous satellites and the International Space Station. You Can Help! If you are interested in sharing your love of astronomy and natural dark skies, consider applying for a position as a Volunteer In Park (VIP) Night Sky Assistant. For more information contact the park’s Volunteer Program Coordinator.
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Q:
Making some stops (but not stopping at every pull off), how long should we allow to drive loop road?
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You can drive through the Park and stop along the way to take pictures several times in about 2 hours.
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